appointed to take on the project, despite the fact that this would be their first hotel project. Make is a studio of architects and designers committed to designing buildings, spaces and places which are as striking and innovative as they are socially, economically and environmentally responsible. The practice was founded by Ken Shuttleworth in January 2004, their current projects range in scale from private houses, residential towers and office developments to hospitals and urban masterplans. The architects were also appointed as interior designers; a brave move indeed given their inexperience in the hotel sector but one that would be likely to bring fresh and interesting new ideas. The building is Grade II listed and had been

extended several times over the past century. Ken Shuttleworth’s brief was to simplify circulation and design a modern extension to the rear of the building (so it wouldn’t alter the street-side views) to create more spacious public areas and additional bedrooms. This he has done with two new contemporary additions to the hotel. The first, known as the ‘crescent’, is a curved extension that houses 16 new bedrooms including a penthouse suite with private roof terrace. This Bath stone clad extension effectively closes the building to create an inner courtyard and it is here that the most impressive architectural solution has been realised. The ‘veil’ is a splendid double height glass wall that circles the courtyard allowing natural daylight into the centre of the hotel; the wall is created by a series of connected tall glass panels, which are accentuated by panes of claret tinted glass. The courtyard can be used for garden parties and as an extension to the restaurant during the warmer months.

In total the hotel now has 61 bedrooms and some

of the rooms in the original part of the house have been extended to accommodate more lounge space, larger bathrooms or separate shower rooms. The public spaces include two private dining rooms with built-in wine cellars, a restaurant with open kitchen, a library, bar and snug, two large lounges and an original 1930’s cast-iron conservatory. There is also a small spa facility and fitness studio. The conservatory is beautiful and has been immaculately restored. Fireplaces have been restored, new sash windows installed and all mouldings and ceiling

The public spaces include two private dining rooms with built-in wine cellars, a restaurant with open kitchen, a library, bar and snug, two large lounges and an original 1930’s cast-iron conservatory... the conservatory is beautiful and has been immaculately restored